F1: Marussia Cleared To Race After Passing Test

Formula 1

F1: Marussia Cleared To Race After Passing Test

The Marussia MR01 car has been cleared to compete in Australia...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 06, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Marussia says equipment failure was not to blame for Maria de Villota's recent crash in testing. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The Marussia MR01 is now cleared to race after passing its final FIA crash test Tuesday.

The car was allowed to have a shakedown on a promotional day at Silverstone Monday, and had already passed an ‘unobserved’ test.

“After a challenging few weeks for the team, we are pleased to have overcome the last hurdle of the final FIA-observed crash test, which we passed today,” said technical consultant Pat Symonds.

“The component in question actually passed an ‘unobserved’ crash test but has been performing inconsistently in the observed tests. The previous fail was only marginal so we needed to have a slightly more robust solution in place. A few minor adjustments to the original concept of the component was all that was required.

“We were all thrilled to see the new car out on track over the past two days and whilst we have a lot of catching up to do, we take heart from the fact that everything is back on a more positive trajectory. We now look forward to the challenge of the season opener in Melbourne next weekend.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.